MUMBAI:Big FM has observed World Aids Day across various stations.

The Surat station commemorated the World Aids Day by supporting the fight against Aids on air and on ground. As part of the campaign, BIG 92.7 FM Surat in association with Network For Positive People in Surat conducted a CD4 test for the underprivileged citizens of Surat suffering from HIV/Aids. CD4 test is conducted to determine the immunity of the HIV/Aids infected person, how far the disease has advanced and helps predict the risk of complications and debilitating infections.The test which is mandatory for those suffering from HIV/Aids is an expensive one and those from the lower economic strata of the society find it difficult to afford the same. BIG 92.7 FM Surat and Network For Positive People jointly organized to conduct the CD4 test for them for free at Sminner Hospital on December 1, World Aids Day. Apart from this, BIG 92.7 FM shall also be bearing the travel and food expenses of the HIV/Aids infected when they visit the hospital later in the week to collect the reports.

This is not for the first time, BIG 92.7 FM is supporting the cause of Fighting Against Aids. During November, BIG 92.7 FM had also launched Jivraj No.1 Tea by offering the beverage at 50 tea stalls across Surat. BIG 92.7 FM and Jivraj No.1 Tea had then decided to contribute 20 paise each on every tea cup consumed and handover the amount to Gujarat Aids Control Society on December 1. On the occasion of World Aids Day, Mr. Hitesh Budhbhatti of BIG 92.7 FM and Mr. Chintan Shah of Jivraj No.1 Tea, Surat handed over the cheque of Rs 22,000 to Ms. Snehalata Bhatia, Project Co-ordinator of Gujarat Aids Control Society, Surat. RJs of BIG 92.7 FM Surat also took to the streets on World Aids Day, urging people to stay safe and stop Aids. The ever-enthusiastic BIG 92.7 FM RJs were seen distributing Red Ribbons, symbolic of the Fight Against Aids, among the local residents.

Apart from this on-air, the activity was promoted for four days, urging HIV/Aids infected to get the CD4 test done. The on-air campaign also focused on spreading awareness on Aids and urged people to stop discrimination towards HIV infected patients. The on-air shows had bytes from doctors who explained all about HIV/Aids, how to prevent it and also gave valuable inputs to the Aids infected on how to live with it. On air, those suffering from HIV/Aids also interacted with the RJs and stressed upon the need for Aids Awareness and Prevention.

Speaking about the initiative Mr. Hitesh Budhbhatti, Station Head, BIG 92.7 FM Surat said, "Globally HIV/Aids is a cause of concern not only because the numbers of HIV infected persons. Those living with it, especially from the lower economic strata, find it difficult to afford medication; leave alone the fact that there is yet no cure for it. By conducting the free CD4 test for the Aids patients in association with Network For Positive people, we have surely made some difference in their lives. We`ve always lived upto our brandline of Suno Sunao Life Banao and this one was one of the most memorable Life Banao activities we`ve conducted. It was heartening to interact with the HIV patients at the hospital and we pray to God that they get all the strength to fight the disease and enjoy life to the fullest. We also urge citizens of Surat to nurture a humanitarian approach towards the Aids infected because they need all our love and affection."

Vadodara station commemorated the World Aids Day Aids Hatao campaign. As part of the campaign, students from Maharaja Sayajirao University`s Fine Arts Faculty and the general public joined hands to pledge for an Aids Free World by painting on the theme on a 100ft long stretch of cloth outside the Faculty.A signature campaign was also held at the Fine Arts venue. At their creative best, Vadodarians actively participated in BIG Life Banao Aids Hatao Campaign and were seen giving colors to their dream of an Aids Free World. At their wittiest and creative best, they painted amazingly convincing BIG Picture of Life without Aids, with every painting grabbing eyeballs of on-lookers and passers-by. The activity was aimed at spreading the key message of BIG Life Banao, Aids Hatao by roping in the target group of 18-35 and transforming them into ambassadors for spreading the campaign message.

Early in the morning, BIG 92.7 FM team conducted an Awareness Rally by distributing the Red Ribbon and pamphlets on Aids Awareness from Vasna Road to MS University Fine Arts Faculty. The on-air campaign also focused on spreading awareness on Aids and urged people to stop discrimination towards HIV infected patients.

The on-air shows had bytes from doctors who explained all about HIV/Aids, how to prevent it and also gave valuable inputs to the Aids infected on how to live with it. On air, volunteers at the blood banks in Vadodara also educated the listeners on safe blood donation, while listeners too pitched in with their take on Aids Awareness and Prevention.

Speaking about the initiative Ms. Nikita Parekh, Station Head, BIG 92.7 FM said, "Globally HIV/Aids is a cause of concern not only because the numbers of HIV infected persons are increasing but also because there are various myths and misconceptions related to them. Another area of concern is discrimination towards the people suffering from it and the lack of knowledge among the youngsters thus making them take the issue lightly. Since art having the power to not only heal but also influencing human minds, the campaign was definitely an experience to remember. With the BIG Life Banao, Aids Hatao campaign, BIG 92.7 FM has joined hands with listeners to spread the right information about HIV and Aids through on-air and on-ground activities."